Blue Balsam Mint

Description

Elevate your herb garden with the striking presence of Mentha × piperita ‘Blue Balsam’, a bold and highly aromatic peppermint cultivar prized for its exceptionally large, glaucous leaves that shimmer with a soft, bluish hue—hence the name Blue Balsam. A hybrid member of the peppermint family, this variety is thought to have emerged from European cultivation, likely in central or western Europe, where mint breeding has long focused on both oil content and ornamental traits.

‘Blue Balsam’ is notable for its height and stature, often reaching up to 1.5 metres tall when grown in the ground, making it one of the tallest mints available. Its broad, pointed leaves and strong menthol aroma make it suitable for teas, natural remedies, and fragrant bouquets, though it’s equally valued as a decorative plant in sensory gardens or architectural herb borders.

While its cooling flavour is distinctly peppermint, the soft blue tint and generous leaf size set it apart from more standard cultivars. The plant’s vigorous growth and lush canopy, however, mean it can be prone to powdery mildew, particularly in still, damp conditions. To keep it healthy, provide plenty of airflow, avoid overhead watering, and plant in a sunny, open position.

A dramatic and beautifully scented addition to any garden, Mentha × piperita ‘Blue Balsam’ combines ornamental elegance with traditional herbal utility, rooted in European mint-breeding heritage.